Kaartheeka Sangeetotsava

Kaartheeka Sangeetotsava

Nadaranjani Sangeetha Sabha conducts music concerts every month, apart from a music festival during the Kartheeka Maasa of every year.

In the 16th Karthika Sangeetotsava held last week, there were four music concerts, including flute, chitra veena and vocal. There was also a special demonstration on ‘Different Dimensions of Music’.

Dr R N Srilatha, senior vocalist of the state performed in the Karthika Sangeetotsava on Wednesday. Being the daughter and disciple of R K Narayanaswamy, she belongs to a reputed music family of the state. She has an MA, PhD from the University of Mysore and has served in the Fine Arts College as a Professor. She has performed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal and other states. She is known for her lecture demonstrations. She has authored a few books also.

In the current concert, it was an all-women team, for a welcome change. Nalina Mohan, Ranjani Venkatesh and Bhagyalakshmi Krishna accompanied the vocalist on violin, mrudanga and morching, respectively.

Sriranjani is a beautiful ‘rakti raga’. A ‘shadava raga’, which belongs to Kharaharapriya ‘varga’and from trinity period many composers, have excelled in this raga. Dr Srilatha chose Sriranjani for the Pallavi “Ranjani Sriranjani Nadaranjani” set to Chatusra Jhampe, in Khanda Nade.

Flowering of the twin arts of ragalapana and thana, were full of ‘bhava’. It was further buttressed with ragamalika swaras in Sri, Ranjani, Janaranjani and Sumanesha Ranjani. Earlier, Srilatha sang Purvikalyani convincingly, for ‘Satilena Guruguha Muruthy’ with nerval “Koti Manmatha”. With a prelude of a ugabhoga (Dhyanavu Krutha Yugadi), the famous devaranama “Devaki Kanda Mukunda” a Jawadi “Maralu Konnadihi” and a thillana in Anandabhairavi - pleased the gathering, in the concluding part.
   
Kalanadam

Nadam conducted the annual dance festival Kala Nadam, last week which provided an opportunity for the connoisseurs to witness Bharathanatya, Kathak, Odissi and it was aimed to present the proceeds in aid of Angel's Orphanage.

Jyotsna Jagannathan, who gave the inaugural dance, is a disciple of Dr Lakshmanaswamy and has been guided by Bragha Bessell. She is continuing her training under Malavika Sarukkai. She has received honours from the Kartheek Fine Arts (Nadanamamani), Yuvakala Bharathi (Bharat Kalachar) and conferred with Dr MGR Award (Music Academy).

Jyotsna Jagannathan opened her programme with verses from Adi Shankaracharya. The opening stance in ‘Ardhanareeswara’ itself vouched for a lively performance. The Charukeshi varna of Lalgudi Jayaraman was proof of her good training and talent. She executed the brisk ‘Theermanams’ with ease and assurance. With her expressive eyes, Abhinaya was also beautiful and Jotsna’s career is worth watching.

Kumar Sharma, a disciple of Sita Ramji became famous through his dance direction for reality shows. A Masters in music, Sharma also has researched on folk dances of India.

Kumar Sharma chose Teen Taal of 16 beats for his Kathak recital, which was in all the Vilambit Laya, Madhya Laya and Dhrut Laya. Shiv Paran, Thaat, Paran, Todas, Gath Bhav etc. Short Tumri on Radha and Krishna and ended with a Tukda in fast tempo. No doubt he performed with ease and gay abandon. His foot work was also fine, though Abhinaya was no match to his good Laya.

The final show of the evening was Kathastra, a multimedia production. A blend of Harikatha, literature (Kavya), music, dance and 3D visuals. Based on the Kumara Vyasa’s well known Bhaaratha, it presented the familiar story of Paashupathastra. Group dance, beautiful photos on the background screen, Harikatha, martial art, animation all combined with popular appeal. No doubt, it was appealing, but with some more editing it may become more impactful. Kudos to young Bharat R Prabhath and Sharat R Prabhath for their talented efforts.